When Michael Capolongo was about four years old, his parents Robert, a retired NYPD sergeant and Theresa, a NICU nurse, noticed that that he complained of leg pain while running around with his friends on the playground. Initially, Michael’s pediatrician felt that there was likely nothing to worry about. But a blood test showed that the toddler had Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare progressive muscle disease. In the years following Michael’s diagnosis, his family established Michael’s Cause, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families affected by DMD and raising money to fund research efforts. In support of Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month in September, the Capolongo family is sharing their story to help build broader awareness of this devastating disease and the urgent need for treatment options.

DMD is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle damage and weakness. It primarily affects males, occurring in about 1 in every 3,500-6,000 male births worldwide. Children are usually diagnosed between ages 2-5 and symptoms generally progress and worsen between ages 8-12. People with DMD become wheelchair-bound and require special assistance with many daily tasks such as brushing their teeth, washing their hair or opening a door. Eventually, the heart and respiratory muscles are also affected, significantly shortening life expectancy.

Michael recently graduated high school. Although he spends much of his time in doctor’s offices and undergoing physical, electro and aqua therapies, he still makes time for his favorite hobbies – sports, cooking, and spending quality time with family and friends. He also attends nearly every event held by Michael’s Cause. Since the nonprofit was founded in 2011, the organization has raised more than $3 million, which has helped countless families impacted by DMD get wheelchair accessible vans, air conditioning units, and other supportive equipment, in addition to funding critical research efforts. September 22 will mark the 12th annual Michael’s Cause Step for a Cure 5k Run & Walk in Staten Island, NY.

Might you be interested in speaking with Robert about his son’s condition, the mission of Michael’s Cause, and continued efforts to support research for additional treatment options? If so, I would be happy to help coordinate an interview and provide photos of the Capolongo family as well.

Many thanks,

Kaitlin

Kaitlin Gallagher
BERRY & COMPANY PUBLIC RELATIONS, LLC
345 Seventh Avenue
Suite 402
New York, NY 10001
T: 212 253-8881 F: 212 253-8241
kgallagher@berrypr.com
www.berrypr.com